TOGETHER

WITH
MAMEDYAROV
Calculation training tools
and practical decision making

by

Alexey Kuzmin

www.thinkerspublishing.com
Managing Editor
Romain Edouard

Consulting Editor
Daniël Vanheirzeele

Translation
Yulia Kryukova

Proofreading
Bob Holliman

Graphic Artist
Philippe Tonnard

Cover design
Mieke Mertens

Typesetting
i-Press ‹www.i-press.pl›

First edition 2020 by Thinkers Publishing

Together with Mamedyarov

Copyright © 2020 Alexey Kuzmin

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system
or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording
or otherwise, without prior written permission from the publisher.

ISBN 978-94-9251-071-6
D/2020/13730/10

All sales or enquiries should be directed to Thinkers Publishing, 9850 Landegem, Belgium.

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website: www.thinkerspublishing.com
 TABLE OF CONTENTS

KEY TO SYMBOLS 5
INTRODUCTION 7

CHAPTER 1. BEGINNING TO THINK LIKE A GRANDMASTER

Warm-up 13
Warm-up solutions 17
Tests 21
Solutions 63

CHAPTER 2. PASSING THE GRANDMASTER TEST

Tests 157
Solutions 203

GAME INDEX 349

 KEY TO SYMBOLS

! a good move
? a weak move
!! an excellent move
?? a blunder
!? an interesing move
?! a dubious move
 only move
= equality
 unclear position
 with compensation for the sacrificed material
 White stands slightly better
 Black stands slightly better
 White has a serious advantage
 Black has a serious advantage
+- White has a decisive advantage
-+ Black has a decisive advantage
 with an attack
 with initiative
 with counterplay
 with the idea of
 better is
 worse is
N novelty
+ check
# mate
 INTRODUCTION

A very long time ago when Anatoly Karpov had just tried on his fi rst laurel of
the World Championship and Victor Korchnoi had been crushing the other
candidates on the way to his title match with Karpov a young candidate master
named Garry Kasparov had been fighting for the title of “Master of sports of
the ussr”. Around this time i had become acquainted with an original chess
book my dad had bought. The book was written by two outstanding Czech
grandmasters, Vlastimil Hort and Vlastimil Jansa, and it became my outright
favourite book! This book contained 230 tests from the authors’ games as well
as their bright and sometimes a bit ironic comments where the authors wrote
one or two sentences discussing their thoughts and emotions before, during
and after the game. But more they commented on finding the solution to the
position and this gave me the feeling of having a dialogue with them. I star-
ted to solve the tests and imagined myself to be a grandmaster and that these
exact positions arose in my games and that i had to play as Hort or Jansa or
even better than they! The title was Together With Grandmasters. It was later
published in English under the title The Best Move.

Years had passed and i wanted to write a similar study-book myself or even
series of books where readers could get acquainted with the creativity of emi-
nent grandmasters in a format of tests/tasks. So the series “Together With...”
appeared. The book that you are holding in your hands is a continuation of
this series. The two prior books concerning the chess creativity of Alexan-
der Morozevich and participants in the candidates tournaments was written
for rather experienced players. This book is different in that “Together With
Mamdeyarov” has been written primarily for chess players with elos ranging
1400–2100.

While working on the book i followed tow objectives. First to help the players’
improvement and secondly to closer acquaint the readers with the creativity
of one of the brightest contemporary grandmasters. If i were to characterize
Mamedyarov’s play in one word i would use the adjective “powerful” and if
i were to use two words then perhaps “power chess”. Namely this energy and
power are the dominants of his creativity with his opening preparation being
only a supplementing factor.
While gathering the material for the book it became clear to me that the given
examples must be clear for a wide circle of chess lovers. In order to obtain this
clarity, I had to exclude some tests that would be interesting for higher rated
players. “Together With Mamedyarov” is not a collection of his selected games
but it is primarily a study-book. It contains test positions taken from games of
the famous Azeri grandmaster with detailed comments on the solutions to the
tasks.

In this book the solutions have been placed right after a diagram with a test
except for the six positions given as a warm-up in the beginning of the chap-
ter one. For those of you who work without the assistance of a coach i would
recommend that you cover the answer with a sheet of paper to avoid spoiling
the benefit of solving the problem.

The tests’ tasks are intended for training:

a) tactical vision,
b) calculation of variations
c) strategic decision making
d) your assessment of a position

The solutions have been given points ranging from 1 up to 7. After calculating
their total amount, you can determine your approximate level by the autho-
r’s ranking scale. But do not forget that this ranking scale is subjective. After
totalling your result you should have an idea about what type of tasks are the
most challenging for you. This will help you direct your time and efforts on
the areas where you need further improvement.

The tests given in the first and the second chapters differ by the level of comple-
xity. The tests in chapter one correspond to an Elo rating of 1400–1900 while
chapter two is aimed at players rated 1700–2100.

When you solve the tests from Mamedyarov’s games try to reproduce the
thought process of one of the most creative and bright grandmasters of today.
Imagine yourself in his place during a game, look at the chessboard through
his eyes and think about the positions together with Mamedyarov.

This book is dedicated to all young chess players aspiring to improve but i also
hope that it will be interesting for admirers of the Azeri “number one” chess
player’s creativity and his fans. Further i hope this book will be useful for co-
aches in their work.
Perhaps some tests will be “hard nuts to crack” for beginners — do not get
upset! I am sure that their solutions will give you an aesthetic pleasure despite
the challenge! And if a reader finds new variations or improves the ones given
by the author it will mean that you have been working on this book together
with the author and “played” together with Mamedyarov.

Alexey Kuzmin, Doha/Moscow, November 2019

 CHAPTER 1.

BEGINNING TO THINK
LIKE A GRANDMASTER
12 TOGETHER WITH MAMEDYAROV

This chapter presents 80 tests in chronological order. By their difficulty they

correspond to the rating 1400–1900. Of course, this range is approximate and
takes into account that during the initial stages of improvement the rating
figures fluctuate. We must realize that the quantity and quality of the events
played in also has an impact on the rating as well as the countries where the
events are held and even the ages of the players impacts the final result.

However, I hope that even stronger players will be interested in solving the
positions as a training method for blitz events.

The majority of the tests consist of two parts. The first one is a question about
assessment of the position. The second part is a task of finding the best move,
variations and even the plan. During a game the assessment and calculation
factors are inextricably linked. A correct assessment of a position is often the
key for finding the right decision. On the other hand, precise calculation of
variations can radically change an initial assessment of a position.

When formulating the questions of the tests I avoided specificities: “find a win-
ning continuation” or “make draw” to bring the task of solving the positions
closer to the conditions of a real game.

The scale of estimating your decisions — in the given chapter from 1 to 6 — con-
siderably reflects the degree of task complexity. Most of the readers will want
to calculate the total amount of scored points. If your total points earned is
greater than 300 it will mean you are already a rather experienced chess player
and the tests from chapter two will correspond more to your level of play based
on their degree of complexity. A score of 250–300 shows that you are defi-
nitely not a beginner in chess and such a score corresponds to approximately
a 1600–1800 rating. If the total amount of your scored points is less — do not
get upset — a wide field stretches before you to perfect your skill!

All the introductions have been written — it is time to get started. To begin
with I present six simple positions as a warm-up.
 WARM-UP
Find the shortest way to win in all the positions.
14 TOGETHER WITH MAMEDYAROV

Example 1 Example 2

▷ S. Mamedyarov (2733) ▷ S. Mamedyarov (2743)

▶ P. H. Nielsen (2693) ▶ J. Polgar (2685)
Beijing 2011 (blitz) Dubai 2014 (blitz)
8 r+-+-+k+ 8 r+l+kvl-tr
7 +q+-+pzp- 7 zpp+n+pzpp
6 -+n+l+-+ 6 -+psnp+-+
5 +pzP-zp-+p 5 wq-+-+-+-
4 p+-+-+-+ 4 -+-zPP+-vL
3 +N+-+QzP- 3 +-sN-+-+-
2 P+-tRPzP-zP 2 PzPPwQ-+PzP

1 +-+R+-mK- 1 +K+R+LsNR
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h
White to move White to move
CHAPTER 1. BEGINNING TO THINK LIKE A GRANDMASTER 15

Example 3 Example 4

▷ S. Mamedyarov (2765) ▷ S. Mamedyarov (2800)

▶ P. Leko (2723) ▶ V. Topalov (2749)
Beijing 2014 (blitz) Paris GCT Blitz, 2017
8 -+-+rtR-+ 8 r+q+k+-+
7 +p+-tr-mk- 7 +-+-zppvl-
6 -+p+p+pzp 6 p+psn-snp+
5 zp-+nzP-sN- 5 +-+-+-vLr
4 P+-wq-+P+ 4 Q+-zP-+lzP
3 +P+-+-+P 3 +-sN-+N+-
2 -+P+Q+-+ 2 PzP-+LzP-+

1 +-+-+R+K 1 +-mKR+-tR-
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h
White to move White to move
16 TOGETHER WITH MAMEDYAROV

Example 5 Example 6

▷ E. Hansen (2629) ▷ F. Caruana (2816)

▶ S. Mamedyarov (2804) ▶ S. Mamedyarov (2808)
PRO Chess League 2018 Leuven GCT 2018 (rapid)
8 -+-+-+k+ 8 L+-+Q+-+
7 +-zp-+pvlp 7 +-+-sn-mkp
6 p+l+-wq-+ 6 -+-+Pwq-tr
5 +-zP-+-+- 5 +-zp-+-+-
4 -+-zp-+psn 4 Pzp-+p+p+
3 +P+-+-+- 3 +P+-+-tr-
2 PsNQvL-zPPzP 2 -+-+-tR-zP

1 +-+-sN-mK- 1 +-+-tR-+K
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h
Black to move Black to move
 WARM-UP
SOLUTIONS
18 TOGETHER WITH MAMEDYAROV

Example 1 Example 2

▷ S. Mamedyarov (2733) ▷ S. Mamedyarov (2743)

▶ P. H. Nielsen (2693) ▶ J. Polgar (2685)
Beijing 2011 (blitz) Dubai 2014 (blitz)
8 r+-+-+k+ 8 r+l+kvl-tr
7 +q+-+pzp- 7 zpp+n+pzpp
6 -+n+l+-+ 6 -+psnp+-+
5 +pzP-zp-+p 5 wq-+-+-+-
4 p+-+-+-+ 4 -+-zPP+-vL
3 +N+-+QzP- 3 +-sN-+-+-
2 P+-tRPzP-zP 2 PzPPwQ-+PzP

1 +-+R+-mK- 1 +K+R+LsNR
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

25. a5!
This is a classic deflecting sacrifice.
The black knight controls the d8-
square — it must be deflected.
“She will not play 10... e7 as after the
exchange the right to castle is lost, nor
can a knight or bishop be placed on
d7. What will Judit do?” — Though
Shakh making his last move 10. b1.

25... xa5 11.d5!!

Of course Nielsen understood out-
right what would happen if the knight
were captured but he decided not to
deprive the audience of the pleasure
of seeing checkmate on the board.
After the white king had retreated the
capture 11... xd2 happens without
check and Black simply gets check-
mated with 12.c7#. Therefore, Judit
resigned.

26. d8+ h7 27. xh5# 1–0 1–0

Thank you, Peter!

 CHAPTER 1. BEGINNING TO THINK LIKE A GRANDMASTER 19

Example 3 Example 4

▷ S. Mamedyarov (2765) ▷ S. Mamedyarov (2800)

▶ P. Leko (2723) ▶ V. Topalov (2749)
Beijing 2014 (blitz) Paris GCT 2017 (blitz)
8 -+-+rtR-+ 8 r+q+k+-+
7 +p+-tr-mk- 7 +-+-zppvl-
6 -+p+p+pzp 6 p+psn-snp+
5 zp-+nzP-sN- 5 +-+-+-vLr
4 P+-wq-+P+ 4 Q+-zP-+lzP
3 +P+-+-+P 3 +-sN-+N+-
2 -+P+Q+-+ 2 PzP-+LzP-+

1 +-+-+R+K 1 +-mKR+-tR-
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

29. xe6+!! As we can see sometimes mating

threats succeed even at the top level!
On the knight capture 29...  xe6 However, if a piece can be won — it
White mates with 30.  1f7#. also brings the full point!

While Black can retreat the his queen 20.  xf6  xf6 21.  xg4!
is also attacked thus resignation is in
order. This is a small combination which de-
flects the queen.
1–0
21... xg4 22. xc6+ 1–0
20 TOGETHER WITH MAMEDYAROV

Example 5 Example 6

▷ E. Hansen (2629) ▷ F. Caruana (2816)

▶ S. Mamedyarov (2804) ▶ S. Mamedyarov (2808)
PRO Chess League 2018 (blitz) Leuven GCT Rapid, 2018
8 -+-+-+k+ 8 L+-+Q+-+
7 +-zp-+pvlp 7 +-+-sn-mkp
6 p+l+-wq-+ 6 -+-+Pwq-tr
5 +-zP-+-+- 5 +-zp-+-+-
4 -+-zp-+psn 4 Pzp-+p+p+
3 +P+-+-+- 3 +P+-+-tr-
2 PsNQvL-zPPzP 2 -+-+-tR-zP

1 +-+-sN-mK- 1 +-+-tR-+K
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h

Eric decided that having placed the 48...  xh2+!!

knight on e1 he was protected from
mating threats. However, it was only
an illusion.
27... xg2!
After 28. xg2 Black will play 28...
f3 and in case of any retreat of the
knight then 29...h1#. The white king
hasn’t managed to escape: 29.  f1
xg2+ 30. e2  f3+ 31. d3 f1#.
Therefore, White resigned.
The simple 48...  f3 49.  xf3 exf3 also
leads to a win. But the task was: “find
the shortest way to win”.
Therefore, only the rook sacrifice is
a  correct answer. After 49.  xh2 or
49. f3+ White gets mated.
Therefore, White resigned.
0–1

0–1
 TESTS
Now that your brain has warmed up and your combination vision has sharp-
ened, one can start to solve more complicated tasks. Just remember: a right
decision is not always a bright tactical stroke. Sometimes it can be a fine po-
sitional manoeuvre or even a precise defending resource.
22 TOGETHER WITH MAMEDYAROV

Test 1 Test 2

▷ F. Abdulin ▷ S. Gurbanov
▶ S. Mamedyarov (2201) ▶ S. Mamedyarov (2201)
Baku 2000 Baku 2000
8 r+-+-trk+ 8 -+-tr-trk+
7 +p+-wqpvlp 7 +-zp-+-zpp
6 -+p+-snp+ 6 p+n+lwq-+
5 zp-+-zp-+- 5 +pvlp+-+-
4 -snP+P+-+ 4 -+-+-+-+
3 vLPsN-+LzPP 3 +LzPQ+N+-
2 P+-+QzP-+ 2 PzP-sN-zPPzP

1 tR-+-+RmK- 1 tR-+-tR-mK-
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h
Black to move White to move

A. Black’s position is: A. White’s position is:

a) somewhat better, a) better,
b) somewhat worse, b) worse,
c) equal. c) approximately equal.

B. How should he continue? B. What do you think about the move

17.  xe6?
 CHAPTER 1. BEGINNING TO THINK LIKE A GRANDMASTER 23

Test 3 Test 4

▷ S. Mamedyarov (2201) ▷ S. Mamedyarov (2201)

▶ S. Dolmatov (2615) ▶ S. Dolmatov (2615)
Dubai 2000 Dubai 2000
8 -+r+-tr-+ 8 -+-trr+-+
7 zpp+qzppmk- 7 zpp+qzppmk-
6 -+-+l+pzp 6 -+-+-+-zp
5 +-+n+-+- 5 +-+-+R+-
4 -+pzP-zPP+ 4 -+pzPQ+P+
3 +-zP-sNL+P 3 +-zP-+-+P
2 PzP-+-+-+ 2 PzP-+-+-+

1 tRQ+-+RmK- 1 +-+-tR-mK-
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h
White to move White to move

A. White’s position is: Find the strongest continuation.

a) equal,
b) worse,
c) better.

B. How should he continue?

24 TOGETHER WITH MAMEDYAROV

Test 5 Test 6

▷ S. Mamedyarov (2479) ▷ S. Mamedyarov (2479)

▶ R. Babaev (2334) ▶ S. Davidov (2217)
Baku 2001 Baku 2001
8 -tr-+r+kvl 8 r+l+-trk+
7 +-+-+R+p 7 zp-wq-+pzp-
6 -wqpzp-+pvL 6 -zp-vl-sn-zp
5 +-sn-zp-+- 5 +-+-zp-+-
4 p+PsnP+-+ 4 -+P+-+-wQ
3 +-sN-+-zPL 3 +P+-+N+-
2 PzP-wQ-+-zP 2 PvLL+-zPPzP

1 +-+-+R+K 1 +-+R+RmK-
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h
White to move White to move

Find the best continuation. A. White’s position is:

a) better,
b) winning,
c) equal.

B. Prove your assessment with a vari-

ation.
 CHAPTER 1. BEGINNING TO THINK LIKE A GRANDMASTER 25

Test 7 Test 8

▷ L. Trent (2217) ▷ J. Isaev (2455)

▶ S. Mamedyarov (2503) ▶ S. Mamedyarov (2522)
Oropesa del Mar 2001 Moscow 2002
8 -+-tr-+k+ 8 -+-+-+k+
7 +-+-+-zpp 7 +p+-tR-zp-
6 -+-+p+-+ 6 -+-+-+-zp
5 +-+-zP-+- 5 +-zplvLPzP-
4 -+-zp-zP-+ 4 -+-vl-mK-zP
3 +-zp-+RzP- 3 tr-+-+-+-
2 -wqP+Q+-zP 2 -+-+-+-+

1 +-+-+-+K 1 +-+R+-+-
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h
Black to move Black to move

How should he continue? A. Black’s position is:

a) somewhat better,
b) worse,
c) winning.

B. Prove your answer with an analy-

sis.
26 TOGETHER WITH MAMEDYAROV

Test 9 Test 10

▷ S. Mamedyarov (2522) ▷ S. Mamedyarov (2542)

▶ A. Lastin (2630) ▶ P. V. Tregubov (2627)
Moscow 2002 Dubai 2002
8 -+-+-+k+ 8 r+-+-+-mk
7 zp-+n+p+p 7 zp-+-trp+p
6 -+-wq-+p+ 6 -+-wq-zp-+
5 +Q+-+-+- 5 +p+P+lsN-
4 -+-vl-+-+ 4 -+-wQ-zp-+
3 +N+-+-zP- 3 zP-+-+-+-
2 PtrL+RzP-zP 2 -zP-+-zP-zP

1 +-+-+-mK- 1 mK-+R+-tR-
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h
White to move White to move

Which of two moves is better: A. White’s position is:

a) 29. d2 a) considerably better — he plays
b) 29. e4? to win,
b) somewhat worse — he has to
fight to equalize,
c) equal.

B. Show how White should continue.

 CHAPTER 1. BEGINNING TO THINK LIKE A GRANDMASTER 27

Test 11 Test 12

▷ S. Mamedyarov (2542) ▷ S. Mamedyarov (2542)

▶ V. Priehoda (2425) ▶ A. Anastasian (2591)
Batumi 2002 Batumi 2002
8 -+-+R+-+ 8 -+l+k+-tr
7 zppsnq+pvlk 7+-zp-wq-+-
6 -+p+-snpzp 6 ptr-+pzpPzp
5 +-+-+-+- 5 +p+-vl-+-
4 -+-zP-+-+ 4 -+-+-+P+
3 +LsN-+QzP- 3 +-sN-+-+-
2 PzP-vL-zP-zP 2 PzPPwQ-+LzP

1 +-+-+-mK- 1 +-mKRtR-+-
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h
Black to move White to move

A. Which capture would you recom- How should White realize his evident
mend for Black — 23... xe8 or 23... advantage?
cxe8?

B. Support your reply with a varia-

tion.
28 TOGETHER WITH MAMEDYAROV

Test 13 Test 14

▷ S. Mamedyarov (2542) ▷ S. Mamedyarov (2542)

▶ V. Gaprindashvili (2471) ▶ S. Guliev (2481)
Baku 2002 Saraybahce 2002
8 r+-wq-trk+ 8 rsn-wq-trk+
7 zppvl-+pzp- 7 zpp+-+pvlp
6 -+-+-sn-+ 6 -+-+p+-+
5 +-+psNn+p 5 +-+-+p+Q
4 -+-zP-zP-+ 4 -+Pzpp+-+
3 zP-sN-+Q+- 3 +P+-zP-+-
2 -zP-+-vLPzP 2 PvL-sN-zPPzP

1 tR-+-+RmK- 1 +-mKR+-+R
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h
White to move White to move

А. White’s position is: А. Assess the position:

a) equal, a) White has a big advantage,
b) better, b) both sides chances are equal,
c) worse. c) Black is somewhat better.

В. How should he continue? В. Prove your assessment with a vari-

ation.
 CHAPTER 1. BEGINNING TO THINK LIKE A GRANDMASTER 29

Test 15 Test 16

▷ A. Kosteniuk (2457) ▷ S. Mamedyarov (2595)

▶ S. Mamedyarov (2585) ▶ S. R. Mannion (2348)
Lausanne 2003 Plovdiv 2003
8 r+-+-tr-mk 8 -+ktr-vl-tr
7 vlpzpl+-zpp 7 +pzpqzp-zp-
6 p+nzp-+q+ 6 psnn+p+-zp
5 +-+Lsn-+- 5 +N+-+l+-
4 -+-+-+-+ 4 -+-zP-+-+
3 +-zPpvLNsNP 3 +L+-vLN+-
2 PzP-wQ-zPP+ 2 PzP-+-zPPzP

1 tR-+-tR-mK- 1 +-tRQmK-+R
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h
Black to move White to move

Find the strongest continuation. Find the strongest continuation.

30 TOGETHER WITH MAMEDYAROV

Test 17 Test 18

▷ S. Mamedyarov (2646) ▷ S. Mamedyarov (2657)

▶ A. Timofeev (2578) ▶ M. Al Modiahki (2579)
Moscow 2004 Dubai 2004
8 l+-tr-+-mk 8 -+-+r+k+
7 zp-+-sNpzpp 7+-+-tr-+p
6 -+-tr-+-+ 6 -+-+-wQpzP
5 +pwq-+-+- 5 +-+-+-tR-
4 -+p+-wQ-+ 4 -+P+-tR-+
3 +-+-tR-+- 3 +P+-zp-+-
2 PzP-tR-zPPzP 2 q+-+-+-+

1 +-+-+-mK- 1 +-+-+K+-
a b c d e f g h a b c d e f g h
White to move White to move

What is the best continuation for Find the strongest continuation for
White? White.